Ranch Life Articles

For each of the last seven years, I have watched the Double A Feeds Ranch Rodeo and Hubbard Ranch Bronc Riding from the crow’s nest as a timer. I have watched many a ranch rodeo from the stands, and while it is most definitely entertaining, it just doesn’t have the same feel as watching from […]

In my previous post, Weakness, I showed a bit of my serious side but it is time that you saw the side of me that is showing 87.2% of the time. The spazzy, hot mess me. You should get excited for this story. The scene was reminiscent of Christmas morning in Idaho, only this […]

Those of you that know me, know I follow the teachings of Buck Brannaman. One of his famous quotes is: “Horses and life, it’s all the same to me.” I’ve known that quote. And in theory I’ve known what it means. But there’s a difference between what you think you know, and actually putting that […]

A few years ago I was hanging out with the CSI (College of Southern Idaho) rodeo team and there were a handful of Canadian bull riders there. As the crisp fall evening was approaching a song came over the speakers of their Chrysler Mini Van. This was no chart topping song that makes you want […]

Growing up, we didn’t have fancy horses. We had “affordable” horses. As the youngest of the WHOLE family (cousins included), I got the old horses, the plodders, the herd-bound, barn sour ones, the ones that had three speeds–walk, trot and faster trot. Don’t get me wrong, they were steady, good-‘nuf kids’ horses. They had just […]

Roping and dragging calves to the fire at branding time is a timeless tradition in ranching country. Every horse there, though, has had to drag that first calf to the fire, and how that worked out will affect the horse for years to come. Riding a colt and dragging a calf to the fire compounds […]

Ranch horses in Nevada cover a lot of country in one day. “Circle horses,” as they are called are used to gather and move cattle long distances to fresh feed and water. A circle horse can put in as few as five miles and up to fifty before quitting time. Nevada ranchers and cowboys look […]

Family time on our outfit usually consists of work of some sort. When you live for your work, as my husband does, you are successfully sharing your passion with the people you love and as a bonus they’re free help. Despite good intentions, days of family togetherness on horseback can go from pleasant to miserable […]

I want to base my blogs on my background in the ranch and how I used it to be successful in the arena. First and foremost I believe in wet saddle blankets. By this I mean that in order for your horse to be enjoyable to ride he should be given a job and know […]

Hello! My name is Abbey Smith from Reno Nevada. I am so happy to introduce you to our new website focused on the ranch and performance horse world. Our mission is: “Offering owners, trainers, and equine professionals a common channel to celebrate performance and working ranch horses, their ownership from beginning to end and the […]